I debated sharing this , but here I go.
In describing the end times Mat 24:12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.
I wonder - have we reached that day - a day where it is ok to say anything we want about anybody without recourse? What ever happen to the day where the office of President, or Pastor was respected even if we didn't fully agree with the person? We have seen it happen time and time again lately where people say stuff that is downright hurtful!
To top that off many times it comes from people who claim to be Christians.
We recently asked our congregation/past attenders to share their heart with us that we might continue to improve, do better, be more Christ Like, better serve our community.
One response blew me away - "This church is great at performing community service, but you can give all you have to the poor and still not know Jesus. I know the history of your beginnings and this church was founded by a guy that is simply a good networker. He would have made a great Amway associate. He is a people pleaser and is only interested in doing what people want in order to generate enough income to keep the shallow gatherings going. There is a difference in being a preacher and being a minister"
Wow, who writes that kind of stuff and claims to be a believer? and of course wouldn't leave their name as well. :) Go Figure..
Feel free to bash me, I am cool with that, but these statements obviously come from a place of pain and lack of knowledge about me and Journey Church. We certainly speak the truth in love, deal with tough issues, put Jesus first in our own lives and challenge others to do the same. Yes we give to the poor, we reach out, and have been blessed to see people come to Christ every week. We seek to walk out our core values of loving God, loving others, and serving the world in Jesus name! How could one say we don't know Jesus.. If not - we have really missed it!
A shallow group of believers- wow that is a pretty harsh thing to say about the 650+ people who call Journey their church home on a weekly basis, who love God with all their hearts, and live their lives to make a difference in the lives of others. Who gather together regularly to pray, seek God's face, grow in small groups, give to the poor, help orphans, and much much more.
As I read that statement, I honestly pray for the person who would have such feelings in their heart. If I personally did anything to offend you please contact me, I will do whatever is needed to make amends. Our heart breaks to see people hurting so much that they would write such a thing..
Lord forgive us our trespasses. Help us to keep short accounts, and Jesus help us to surrender all to you for you are our Lord and King.
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